An Engineer’s Guide to Pipeline Repair and Rehabilitation

Whether you are an existing engineer or an engineer-in-training, you will already know that pipes are an integral part of everyday life. In fact, you don’t even need to be an engineer or have any experience in pipeline rehabilitation to recognise the value that pipelines bring – and have continued to bring for centuries.

From underpinning entire sewage systems to carrying fluids to and from commercial and domestic properties, what many consumers don’t realise though is the vast network of pipes which lies beneath their feet.

When something goes wrong with those pipes, as an engineer it is a part of your job to identify the source of the issue, diagnose any damage, and work to repair then rehabilitate the pipe back to full working order.

And while the need for and value surrounding pipes has not shifted in many centuries, what has changed is our approach to repair and rehabilitation. Which is where this blog, and a specific solution formulated by Insituform comes in.

How do you know if a pipe is damaged?

Pipe networks rely on every component in the system being fully operational, supporting the movement of fluid, gas, or another product from one place to another.

If something stops working, if the product ceases travel, or if the flow loses pressure, then the chances are that the pipe system has suffered from some damage. This could be from an external weight or from a build up of pressure within the pipe caused by a blockage or underlying issue.

Another issue which commonly affects pipes, particularly those attached to ageing systems, is disintegration which causes leaks. Not only can this create vast leaks and collections of surface water, but it can affect the water flow – which, when attached to drainage, causes a problem earlier down the line with an interruption to the rate of drainage.

Suffice to say, whether you’re an engineer specialising in the design and replacement of pipes, or emergency callouts in response to damaged pipe systems and leaks / a loss of pressure, there are plenty of conditions and potential issues you need to be aware of.

So, what’s the solution?

What is Insituform’s solution and how is it different?

Pipes have always had a limit on their lifespan. Whether made from wood, clay, stone, or more modern metal and concrete components, ageing is inescapable with all pipes subject to some kind of damage at some time.

But what if we told you that it was possible to reverse the signs of damage and ageing, with the use of a solution that not only repairs but rehabilitates pipes back to full working order?

This solution was first rolled out back in 1971 with the release of an innovative system known as CIPP. Ever since then, CIPP systems, as designed by Insituform, have developed and expanded while using the same innovative concept.

And that concept revolves around a unique felt product which is fed into the damaged pipe, and which contains a powerful resin. This resin, when activated with simple hot water or steam, fixes to the inside of the pipe to create a new super-strong layer.

While we cannot guarantee an exact lifespan for this solution as a pipe repair tool, what we can say is that the first pipe to be fully repaired using CIPP is still in excellent working order – more than 50 years after CIPP lining was first used to repair it!

The benefits of CIPP from an engineer’s perspective

CIPP is just one solution available to engineers seeking pipe repair solutions – so why is it the best?

For one thing, CIPP is long-lasting and delivers the kinds of results that will see you through the rest of your career and well into retirement (if not beyond). For an engineer, being able to deliver that kind of longevity is a satisfying end to any callout or project.

Another benefit of CIPP, specifically formulated by Insituform, is the manpower it takes to install and activate the pipe liners. In a move which is designed to exhibit both convenience and sustainability, CIPP liners do not require extensive pipe excavation work. Instead, these liners can be fed directly into the damaged pipes from above ground, activated, and settled in place – all without digging up the surrounding surfaces and causing extensive hold ups and disruption.

Finally, CIPP solutions are accessible and easy to use – with the founding company offering extensive training and hands-on installation support to engineers around the world.

The value of training vs. hands-on delivery and installation support

One of the best things about Insituform’s CIPP solution is the access to support, which is unmatched across the industry. Insituform works to upskill any and all pipe engineers, training them in the installation of their innovative solution. Or, if you prefer to tap into the knowledge of Insituform’s own engineers, the CIPP liners can be installed directly by the team.

Find out more about this, secure some CIPP training, or uncover the answers to more questions on the Insituform website.